Whew: the New Orleans Saints have reached an agreement with defensive end Carl Granderson on a four-year contract extension, as first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal is valued at $52 million with $35.3 million guaranteed; Garafolo adds that annual $2 million incentives raise the deal’s maximum value to $60 million. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the spring.

Granderson has developed into a really effective player for the Saints. He’s going into their Week 3 game tied with Cameron Jordan for the team lead in quarterback pressures (11, per Pro Football Focus) and 1.5 sacks. Coaches have spoken about him as an ascending talent who has worked hard to bulk up and refine his skills after turning pro.

He’s come a long way. Granderson spent part of his 2019 rookie season in a Wyoming jail cell after being charged with sexual battery, ultimately serving a year’s probation. He’s stayed out of trouble since arriving in New Orleans and the Saints clearly believe he’ll continue to be a big part of what they’re wanting to do defensively in the years ahead.

Story originally appeared on Saints Wire